Ski binding mounting apparatus

ABSTRACT

The specification and drawings disclose an apparatus for locating and mounting ski bindings. The preferred form of the invention includes first means which function to engage and locate the first end of a ski. Second means are spaced from the first and engage and locate the second end of the ski. Positioned intermediate the first and second means are third means for locating a ski binding positioning assembly relative to the ski positioned between the first and second means. At least two of the first, second and third means are mounted for movement in a direction generally along the longitudinal axis of the ski. Means interconnect the two movable means to maintain the relative spacing between the first, second and third means substantially constant during movement. Preferably, the ski binding positioning assembly comprises drilling jigs or templates having drill guide openings positioned to correspond to the screw locations on the bindings being attached. Also disclosed are special means for aligning skis having variations in toe and heel configurations.

United States Patent 1 Szohatsky Dec. 11, 1973 1 SKI BINDING MOUNTINGAPPARATUS Zoltan L. Szohatsky, 5428 Wilson Dr., Mentor, Ohio 221 Filed:Dec. 20, 1972 211 Appl. No.: 316,960

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation of Ser. No. 104,967, Jan.8, 1971.

[76] Inventor:

[52] US. Cl 269/43, 269/153, 269/218, 269/307, 269/321 W [51] Int. ClB25h l/20, B23q 3/18, B25h 1/10 [58] Field of Search 269/9, 10, 40, 43,269/218, 321 W, 159, 307,153

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,608,885 9/1971 Roth269/307 X 3,642,269 2/1972 Ladd ..269/45 X FOREIGN PATENTS ORAPPLICATIONS 395,833 1/1966 Switzerland 269/321 W 1,923,002 11/1970Germany 269/321 W Primary Examiner-Donald G. Kelly AssistantExaminer-Joseph T. Zatarga Att0rneyDaniel G. Blackhurst [57] ABSTRACTThe specification and drawings disclose an apparatus for locating andmounting ski bindings. The preferred form of the invention includesfirst means which function to engage and locate the first end of a ski.Second means are spaced from the first and engage and locate the secondend of the ski. Positioned intermediate the first and second means arethird means for locating a ski binding positioning assembly relative tothe ski positioned between the first and second means. At least two ofthe first, second and third means are mounted for movement in adirection generally along the longitudinal axis of the ski. Meansinterconnect the two movable means to maintain the relative spacingbetween the first, second and third means substantially constant duringmovement. Preferably, the ski binding positioning assembly comprisesdrilling jigs or templates having drill guide openings positioned tocorrespond to the screw locations on the bindings being attached. Alsodisclosed are special means for aligning skis having variations in toeand heel configurations.

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I SKI BINDING MOUNTING APPARATUS This is a continuation of applicationSer. No. 104,967, filed Jan. 8, 1971.

The subject invention is directed toward the skiing art and, moreparticularly, to an apparatus and system for mounting bindings on skis.

The invention will be described with reference to a preferred structuralembodiment used for carrying out the system; however, it will beapparent the invention could take a variety of specific embodimentsdifferent from that shown.

As is well known, ski binding mounting plates must be precisely locatedrelative to the center axes of the skis. Improperly mounted bindings canresult in skis which do not function correctly and/or bindings which donot release properly.

Typically, installation of bindings has been a time consuming jobrequiring substantial manual measuring, clamping, and locating. Theproblems involved have been compounded by the wide variety of types ofbindings and skis available. Additionally, with many of the bindings,their location relative to the center of the skis must vary slightlydepending upon the boot size. This further complicates the mountingproblems.

As a result of the above, a highly skilled mechanic with substantialexperience can seldom install more than three pairs of bindings perhour. As can be appreciated, at that rate, the cost of bindinginstallation must be relatively high.

The present invention provides a ski binding mounting apparatus andsystem which overcomes the above problems and allows the skis to berapidly and automatically located precisely relative to their centerlines. Changes in mounting plate locations can rapidly be made to meetmanufacturers toe finding formulas, differences resulting from boot sizevariations, and the like.

Also, the device is arranged to allow skis which do not have their tipsand/or heels precisely located relative to the longitudinal center lineto be quickly and accurately positioned. With the use of the subjectinvention, locating and drilling of the holes for the bindings can beaccomplished in approximately two minutes or less.

In accordance with the invention, the apparatus comprises first meanswhich function to engage and locate the first end of a ski. Second meansare spaced from the first and engage and locate the second end of theski.

Positioned intermediate the first and second means are third means forlocating a ski binding positioning assembly relative to the skipositioned between the first and second means. At least two of thefirst, second and third means are mounted for movement in a directiongenerally along the longitudinal axis of the ski. Means interconnect thetwo movable means to maintain the relative spacing between the first,second and third means substantially constant during movement.Preferably, the ski binding positioning assembly comprises drilling jigsor templates having drill guide openings positioned to correspond to thescrew locations on the bindings being attached. Alternately, the skibinding positioning assembly can comprise other means for Iocating thebindings or the binding connecting plates.

As can be appreciated, by properly locating the first, second and thirdmeans, the interconnecting means will maintain the desired relationshipof the ski binding positioning assembly irrespective of the length ofthe skis. Merely by positioning the skis between the first and secondmeans and moving them to engage and locate the ski ends, the third meansis automatically in the desired position. It should be apparent that anytwo of the first, second and third means can be movable; however, it ispreferred to make the third means fixed or incrementally adjustable andmove only the first and second means with a simple cable interconnectionsuch that they move in equal and opposite directions relative to thethird means. Thus, the third means is always located at the desiredpoint.

In accordance with a more limited aspect of the invention, the first andthird means comprise aligned V- block members which can simultaneouslyengage a pair of skis and align them in parallel. This allows both skisto be simultaneously located relative to the third means.

A more limited aspect of the invention contemplates that the ski bindingpositioning assembly will include a pair of drill templates mounted forindependent relative adjustment. The templates preferably have drillguide openings laid out to correspond to the heel and toe mountingplates of a ski binding. Further, it is preferable that means heprovided for adjusting the spacing between the templates so they can beused with any boot size.

For certain skis, the heels and tips are not tapered or formed exactlycentered relative to the longitudinal center line. For skis of thistype, the invention contemplates centering means which engage thelaterally opposite sides of the skis. The centering means include atleast two portions which are drivingly interconnected to always moveequal amounts in opposite directions relative to the center line.

Accordingly, a primary object of the invention is the provision of anapparatus and system for rapidly locating ski bindings on skis.

A- further object of the invention is the provision of an apparatus ofthe type described which automatically locates the skis relative to abinding drilling assembly.

Another object of the invention is the provision of apparatus forlocating ski bindings that eliminates manual measuring operations and.whichcan be easily adjusted to variations in binding type and location.

A still further object is the provision of apparatus of the typereferred to wherein all binding mounting oper-.

ations can take place at a single work station without moving the skis.

Yet another object is the provision of a ski binding mounting apparatuswhich can compensate for skis having misaligned heels and/or tips.

The above and other objects and advantages will become apparent from thefollowing description when read in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of a ski binding mounting apparatus formed inaccordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side elevational view taken on line 2-2 of FIG.lshowing the drill template assembly in position on the apparatus;

' FIG. 3 is a plan view of the drill template assembly taken on line 3-3of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the drill template assembly shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating adjustment of the drill templateassembly in accordance with the particular ski boot to be used with thebindings being attached;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 66 of FIG. I and showingthe ski tip locating assembly;

FIG. 7 is an elevational view taken on line 7--7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the ski tail centering assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a view taken on line 9-9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a view taken on line 10-l0 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a modified form of heel centering assembly;

FIG. 12 is a view taken on line 12l2 of FIG. 11; and.

FIG. 13 is a pictorial view of a modified form of ski centering device.

Referring more particularly to the drawings wherein the showings are forthe purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention andnot for the purpose of limiting same, FIG. 1 shows the overallarrangement of a ski binding mounting apparatus A formed in accordancewith the invention and supported on a work table 10 carried at asuitable elevation by leg assemblies 12 and 14.

The table 10 forms no part of the invention and has been illustratedmerely to show the apparatus A in a typical environment. Any type ofwork bench, table, or the like can be used for supporting the apparatusduring use.

Of particular importance to the invention is the arrangement of themounting apparatus A. Although it could take many specific embodiments,it is shown as comprising a first movable locating assembly 18 whichserves to center and align the tips of a pair of skis l9. Skis 19 areillustrated in phantom so that the details of the apparatus can be morereadily understood. Spaced longitudinally from assembly 18 is a second,movable positioning and locating assembly 20 which serves to align thetails of skis 19 and maintain the skis parallel with their longitudinalaxes aligned with fixed, imaginary center lines on the apparatus. A skibinding positioning or locating assembly 21 is carried betweenassemblies l8 and 20. As will be explained more fully hereafter, thelocating assemblies 18 and 20 are interconnected in a manner to assureequal and opposite movement relative to assembly 21. This allows skis ofsubstantially any length to be properly located relative to assembly 21.

Although as will become apparent hereafter, the invention could becarried out by making any one of the three assemblies 18 through 21stationary and interconnecting only the other two for movement, thearrangement shown in the preferred embodiment has been found to be moredesirable since it allows the working area (i.e., the ski bindinglocating assembly) to remain fixed.

In the embodiment under consideration, the ski binding attachingapparatus A also includes a center guideway 14 which carries theassemblies 18, 20 and 21. Guideway 14 could be of many types but isshown as formed by a rigid, U-shaped metal channel 22 which extends thelength of the table. Suitable ski supporting surfaces 24 and 26 arearranged on each side of the channel 22 and, in the preferredembodiment, comprise wood planks or rectangular tubing suitably finishedand connected to the legs of channel 22. It should be appreciated thatthe channel 22 and the ski supporting surfaces 24, 26 are of a lengthsubstantially longer than the maximum ski length on which bindings wouldnormally be mounted.

The means for centering the skis on the support surfaces 24, 26 includethe previously mentioned tip centering device 18. As best shown in FIGS.6 and 7, the assembly 18 includes a body portion 28 which is merely arectangular block of aluminum or the like of a size to have its lowerportion received within the opening of channel 22. The body portion 28is provided with steel rollers 30 spaced so as to engage the inner edgesof upper flange portions 32 of channel 22. The body 28 is thus arrangedfor free movement longitudinally of channel 22. Extending transverselyacross the body 28 is a rectangular support bar 34 connected to the body28 in any convenient manner such as through socket screws 36. The bar 34is positioned on the body 28 so as to extend perpendicular to thelongitudinal center axis of the channel 22. Extending upwardly fromopposite end portions of the bar 34 are a pair of U-shaped rods 38. Thetwo U-shaped rods 38 are preferably uniformly laterally spaced from thelongitudinal center line of the channel 22.

As can be appreciated, when the tapered tips of a conventional pair ofskis are inserted between the rods as shown in FIG. 1, the tips of theskis are located so that their center lines are a uniform distance fromchannel 22.

By similarly centering the heels of the skis, the longitudinal centerlines of the skis are made parallel and aligned with the two imaginarycenterlines of the supports 24 and 26. The heel centering mechanism 20of the preferred embodiment is best shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Mechanism 20includes a slide block 42 which is positioned with its reduced widthlower face received in the open groove of channel 22. Means are providedfor clamping the slide block 42 at any selected location longitudinallyof the channel 22. The means could take many forms but, in theembodiment under consideration, comprise a clamp plate 44 arranged toengage the undersurface of the flanges 32. A bolt or stud 46 extendsvertically upward through the plate 44 and the slide block 42. Athreaded handle 47 is connected to its upper end. A biasing spring 47ais positioned about bolt'46 between the slide block 42 and the clampplate 44. As can be appreciated, by tightening the handle 47, the clampplate 44 is moved upwardly thereby clamping the flanges 32 between itand the slide block.

The centering means for the ski heels are carried from the slide block42 (see FIG. 8) and comprise a transversely extending bar member 48connected to the top of slide block 42 and extending outwardly therefromperpendicular to the center axis of channel 22. Carried on each end ofthe bar 48 are V-block forming members 50. As best shown in FIGS. 1 and8, members 50 are uniformly spaced on opposite sides of the slide block42 and define a V for receiving the rear ends of the skis. It should beappreciated that the center line of each of the V-blocks is spacedoutwardly a distance corresponding to the outward spacing of the centerof the U-shaped rod members 38. The corresponding center lines areidentified in FIGS. 7 and 10 with the reference numerals A, A and B, B.As can be appreciated, with the tips and heels of the skis properlypositioned in the hoop 38 and the V-block forming members 50, the skisare perfectly aligned and parallel.

The subject device is also arranged so that the skis are automaticallylocated longitudinally relative to a predetermined point along thegroove or guideway 14. In the subject embodiment, the predeterminedpoint is a machined register opening 54 (see FIG. 2) which is located onthe center line of the channel and generally at its longitudinal center.The opening 54 is adapted to receive the drill jig assembly 16 in amanner subsequently to be described. In the subject device, thecentering of the skis relative to the opening 54 is accomplished byinterconnecting the heel centering assembly 20 with the tip centeringassembly 18 by use of a cable 60. The relationship of cable 60 to theassemblies 18 and 20 is best shown in FIGS. 1, 6 and 8. Note that thecable connects to the tip centering assembly and extends the length ofthe guideway over a roller 61 back to the heel centering assembly 18. Bymoving the tail centering assembly 20 to the right (as viewed in FIG. 1)the tip centering assembly 18 is simultaneously moved an equal amount tothe left. In use, the skis are merely positioned on the support surfaces24 and 26 between the assemblies 18 and 20. The tail centering assembly20 is then moved to the right until the skis are engaged firmly by bothassemblies 18 and 20. At that time, the handle 47 is tightened therebyclamping the tail centering assembly in position on the channel. The tipcentering assembly 18 is also firmly held in position by the interactionof cable 60 and the skis themselves. Preferably, a spring 63 (as shownin FIG. 6), is connected between the end of the guideway and the body28. This causes the centering assemblies to be returned to their fullopen position following a binding attaching operation.

With the skis centered, the actual positioning of the drill jig can beaccomplished. As previously mentioned, the skis are centered relative toa predetermined point selected through the use of the toe findingformula for the skis. The register opening is arranged so that it can bemoved longitudinally of the center for any desired ski binding toefinding formula. The register opening adjustment mechanism for variationin toe finding formula will subsequently be described; however, forpresent purposes, the register opening can be assumed to be fixed inposition.

Referring to FIGS. 2 through 5, the drilling jig assembly 21. and themanner by which it can be adjusted for varying boot sizes will now beexplained. As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the drilling jig assembly 21includes a pair of drill template members 70 and 72. Drilling template70 is the template for the toe plate of the ski binding which is beinginstalled whereas drilling jig template 72 locates the drill hole forthe heel plates of the bindings. It should be appreciated that templates70 and 72 are typically change parts which are made up especially foreach individual brand of bindings. In the embodiment underconsideration, the drilling jig templates comprise rectangular plates ofaluminum or similar material provided with drill bushings 74 and 76 inthe form of hard steel sleeves press fitted or the like into the platesand provide a drill guide opening extending completely therethrough. Itcan be appreciated the bushings'74 are positioned to correspond to thescrew locations for the toe plates on both skis. Similarly, bushings 76are located for the heel plate screw locations of both skis.

As can be understood, the spacing between the heel plates and toe platesof a binding vary depending upon the boot size. For this reason, thetemplates and 72 are arranged for adjustment relative to one another sothat they can be set for any boot size. In the subject embodiment, thisis accomplished by interconnecting the two templates through a pair ofparallel rods 82 and 84 with means to permit at least one of thetemplates to be adjusted along the rods. Note that plate 70 isclampingly affixed to the rods which are received in aligned machinedgrooves 86. The heel template 72 is similarly provided with alignedshaft receiving grooves 88 and is releasably connected to the shafts 82,84 by a clamp bar 90 that has a socket screw 92 extending through anopening formed therein and threadedly connected with a tapped opening inplate 72. An Allen wrench or the like 94 can be used for releasing andtightening the socket screw 92.

Referring again to the toe plate template 70, it will be seen that a baror plate member 96 extends across the two rods 82 and 84 and has anupwardly directed flange portion 94 carried thereon. Similarly, theplate 90 of the tail plate templates 72 has a vertically extendingflange portion 97. The flange portions 94 and 97 are located so thatwhen they engage the toe and heel surfaces of a ski boot 98 as shown,the two templates 70 and 72 are properly spaced for the ski bindings.Thus, to adjust the templates for any boot size, it is necessary only torelease the rear screw 92 and position the boot between the flangeportions 94, 96. Thereafter, the rear template 72 moves toward the bootuntil the boot is properly engaged by the two flanges. At this time, thescrew 92 is tightened and the templates are properly located for thedrilling operation.

After the templates 70, 72 have been properly spaced relative to theboot 98, the boot is removed and the template positioned on the tableassembly in the manner shown in FIGS. 1 through 3. That is, the templateis inverted from the position shown in FIG. 5 and located centrally ofthe table with the template extending the ski resting on the supportsurfaces 24, 26. To locate the template assembly 21, a locating pinmember 100 is connected to the toe plate template 70 by a machine screw102 which extends through the plate into a tapped opening in pin 100.Pin 100 is sized so as to be slidingly received in the register hole54'. Thus, by inserting the pin 100 into opening 54, the drillingtemplate assembly 21 is'properly located longitudinally of the skis. Thetemplate assembly 21 is prevented from improper lateral movement andmaintained aligned exactly parallel with the skis by a rectangular plate108 which extends from flange 96 on the tail piece template 72. Plate108 is of a width so as to be closely received within the opening ofgroove or channel 22.

As previously mentioned, the toe finding formula for different skis mayvary slightly, i.e., the distance variation from true center for anyparticular ski may be changed depending upon the boot size or theparticular ski manufacturer design. For this reason, the locatingopening 54 is arranged so that it can be adjusted relative to the truecenter between the heel and toe centering devices 18 and 20. In thesubject embodiments, adjustment is accomplished by mounting the plate106 so that it can be moved longitudinally of the groove or channel 22.As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, plate 106 is positioned beneath theflanges 32 in channel 22. A releasable screw or bolt member 108 extendsdownwardly therethrough. At its upper end, bolt 108 passes through aslidable plate 110 carried on the upper surface of the channel. A handnut 112 is arranged to rotate nut or bolt 108 so that the plate 106 canbe tightcned or loosened. Also, it will be noted that there is a spring109 between plates 106 and 110 to bias them apart. A scale 114 iscarried on the plate 106 and marked so as to give a reading indicativeof the distance the register opening 54 has been moved off of the truecenter. An indicator member 116 is fixed on the ski clamp assembly 15.

The apparatus thus far described is suitable for substantially allconventional skis. To use the apparatus, the center clamp assembly isopened and the skis positioned on the support surfaces 24, 26 with thetips in engagement with the rod members 38. Thereafter, the tailcentering assembly is moved to the right until the skis are properlycentered and engaged with both the toe centering apparatus 18 and thetail centering V-blocks. At that time, the tail centering clamp handle47 can be tightened holding the skis in position. Additionally, the skiclamp assembly 15 is tightened and the skis are then properly locatedparallel to the center axis of the groove or channel 14. Additionally,the center locating opening 104 has the proper relationship to the skisor can be adjusted slightly depending upon the particular toe findingformula used for the skis. Thereafter, the boot is positioned in the jigtemplate assembly 21 in the manner described with reference to FIG. 4and the templates adjusted to the proper spacing. The boot is removedand the template assembly 16 is inverted and positioned with locatingpin 100 in the register opening 54. Drilling of the required bindingmounting screw openings can then be carried out. Preferably, because thescrews required for attaching the binding plates generally are ofdifferent sizes depending upon the skis, etc., a quick release drillchuck and drills having a common guide sleeve diameter are used so thatthe drill bushings 74 and 76 can be one standard size even though theactual drill hole openings required vary.

As can be appreciated, the entire sequence of operations carried out fordrilling the bolt mounting holes can be accomplished extremely rapidlywith no actual ski measuring. Thus, the apparatus provides substantialsavings in ski binding attachment.

For most skis, the apparatus described will function adequately;however, with certain skis the tips and/or heels are not preciselylocated relative to the axial center line of the skis. This can resulteither from intentional design or manufacturing variations. For skis inwhich the tips are not uniform relative to the actual center line,different means must be provided for assuring parallelism of the skisfor the drilling operation. Although many specific means could beprovided, in the subject embodiment, the means for accomplishingcentering of this type of skis are preferably as shown in FIG. 13. Asshown therein, a pair of pivotal bar members 110 is mounted on each ofthe support surfaces 24 and 26 at a location approximately two andone-half to three feet from the normal position of the tail centeringassembly 20. Each of the bars 110 is mounted so as to pivot about avertical axis aligned with the center of the V-block forming members 50.Extending upwardly from opposite ends of each bar 110 is a circular pin112 uniformly spaced from the pivot axis of the bar 110. When in use,the total spacing between the pairs of pins 112 is substantially greaterthan the width of the widest conventional ski. Thus, to use this type ofcentering as opposed to the combined tip and tail centering devices, theskis are positioned in engagement with the rear V- blocks and betweenthe centering pins on each side. The bars are then simultaneouslyrotated until pins 112 each engage the side of their respective ski andthe heel or tail of the ski is properly in engagement with itsrespective V-block forming members 50. Thereafter, the center clampassembly 15 can be tightened locking the skis in the aligned position.As can be appreciated, during this type of centering, means must beprovided to allow movement of the ski tips relative to the centeringapparatus 18. For this purpose, covers formed from sheet metal or thelike can be placed over the rods to provide a smooth surface againstwhich the tips of the skis can slide slightly during actuation of thecentering bars 110.

In those situations wherein the heels of the skis are not tapereduniformly with respect to the longitudinal center line, the V-blockarrangement will not function to properly center the skis.

In this situation, the tail or heel centering assembly 20 is preferablymodified in the manner shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. Many of the componentsshown in FIGS. 11 and 12 are identical to those described in FIGS. 1through 10. Accordingly, the same reference numerals with the additionof a prime suffix have been used to identify corresponding parts.Referring in particular to FIG. 11, it will be noted that the assembly20' differs from the original V-block assembly by the addition of twopairs of L-shaped arm members 120. Arms are connected to the horizontalbar 48 by pivot pins 121. As shown, the arms each include circular pinor rod portions 122 and 124. The pin portions 122 are adapted to engagethe lateral edges of the skis. The pin portions 124 function to engagethe rear edge of the ski. A leaf spring 126 is positioned between pins124 and the pivot pins in the manner shown. This maintains the armsnormally biased in the solid line position shown in FIG. 11.

When the skis are centered in the apparatus, the heels are brought intoengagement with pins 124 and a slight rearward pressure applied. Thisacts against the bias of the spring to pivot the arms inwardly towardthe skis until pins 122 engage the skis. When all pins engage the skis,they will be centered in the proper relation. Thereafter, the tips canbe centered and the skis can then be clamped in the apparatus.

The invention has been described in great detail sufficient to enableone of ordinary skill in the ski art to make and use the same.Obviously, modifications and alterations of the preferred embodimentwill occur upon a reading and understanding of the specification and itis my intention to include all such modifications and alterations aspart of my invention insofar as they come within the scope of theappended claims.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for locating ski bindings on a pair of skis comprising:

support means for supporting a pair of skis in side-byside relationship;

first locating means carried by said support means for engaging a firstend of said skis;

second locating means carried by said support means for engaging asecond end of said skis;

centering means for causing said skis to be located in parallel,side-by-side relationship, said centering means including means forcausing the distance between the longitudinal centerlines of said skisto be a predetermined constant distance irrespective of the width ofsaid skis;

a drilling template positioning means for locating a drilling templateintermediate said first and second locating means; and,

interconnecting means extending between said first and second means formaintaining the relative spacing between said locating means and saidtemplate positioning means constant irrespective of the total spacingbetween said locating means.

2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said third means includesmeans for permitting its position relative to said first and secondmeans to be varied.

3. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said centering meansinclude pivotal members adapted to engage the lateral side edges of saidskis.

4. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said centering ineansinclude V-block members carried by said second locating meansv 5. Theapparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said centering means includepivotal members carried by said second locating means.

6. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 including means for locking atleast one of said movable means in a selected position.

7. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said first and secondmeans are the movable means and wherein locking means are provided forlocking said first and second means in a selected position ofadjustment.

1. Apparatus for locating ski bindings on a pair of skis comprising:support means for supporting a pair of skis in side-by-siderelationship; first locating means carried by said support means forengaging a first end of said skis; second locating means carried by saidsupport means for engaging a second end of said skis; centering meansfor causing said skis to be located in parallel, side-by-siderelationship, said centering means including means for causing thedistance between the longitudinal centerlines of said skis to be apredetermined constant distance irrespective of the width of said skis;a drilling template positioning means for locating a drilling templateintermediate said first and second locating means; and, interconnectingmeans extending between said first and second means for maintaining therelative spacing between said locating means and said templatepositioning means constant irrespective of the total spacing betweensaid locating means.
 2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein saidthird means includes means for permitting its position relative to saidfirst and second means to be varied.
 3. The apparatus as defined inclaim 1 wherein said centering means include pivotal members adapted toengage the lateral side edges of said skis.
 4. The apparatus as definedin claim 1 wherein said centering means include V-block members carriedby said second locating means.
 5. The apparatus as defined in claim 1wherein said centering means include pivotal members carried by saidsecond locating means.
 6. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 includingmeans for locking at least one of said movable means in a selectedposition.
 7. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said first andsecond means are the movable means and wherein locking means areprovided for locking said first and second means in a selected positionof adjustment.